New details revealed in masterplan of Leeds train station

Additional plans have been unveiled regarding the remodelling of Leeds Station into a ‘fully integrated’ transport hub of ‘international significance’ at the centre of the Northern Powerhouse.

A report, which is set to be discussed by Leeds City Council’s executive board on 18th October, proposes a set of principles to act as a blueprint of the station redevelopment masterplan.

The masterplan aims to realise the potential of the station as an integrated transport hub, boosting regional connectivity and maximising the benefits of high-speed HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail services for Leeds and the wider region.

The principles the council will discuss are set to help the station become a key national landmark and transport interchange, as well as a regeneration and economic driver and asset for the city and region.

They have been set out by Leeds City Council working with partners including HS2 Ltd, Network Rail, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Transport for the North, Department for Transport and the Department of Communities and Local Government.

The masterplan includes proposals to create a station campus district for commercial, residential and leisure developments offering access to and from the station; multiple entrance points, with City Square becoming predominantly public space, New Station Street to become pedestrianised with shared public space being extended onto Bishopgate Street; and entrance points to and from South Bank, including creating a new pedestrian route connecting Temple Works and Leeds Dock.

A new central concourse in the station connecting HS2, Northern Powerhouse Rail and existing rail services, with an overbridge structure offering access to all other platforms is also being proposed.

The investment to implement the proposals in the report would be in more than £500m.

The planning and design remodelling work for Leeds Station is being led by development experts Atkins, which led a consortium of global design, engineering and project management consultants.

They include Gensler’s lead for transport and infrastructure Hiro Aso, who was the lead architect behind the acclaimed redevelopment of King’s Cross Station in London.

Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor Judith Blake said: “Leeds Station has a vital role to play in the future of our city and the wider region, boosting connectivity and being a key driver of social and economic improvement and opportunity.

“Aside from being a fully integrated transport hub, we want it to be a distinctive, attractive place people want to be and visit, with a clear identity as a welcoming gateway to our city and beyond.

“As a major asset for the city, region and the north as a whole, its potential must be maximised to become a catalyst for inward investment, job creation and to generate inclusive growth for the benefit of all.”

The arrival of HS2 offers regeneration potential, including at the South Bank in Leeds. As part of the development plans for the area, improvements would include better connections between South Bank and the wider city centre, with new streets, bridges and access to local communities with road alterations to remove through traffic.

The proposals for Leeds Station and the South Bank have been developed following public consultations carried out last year. The council’s executive board will now be asked for their views on the station principles and the HS2 growth strategy.